For a Few Days, Buddhist Monks Bestow Peace and Love Upon D.C.
By • February 12, 2026 0 334
Buddhist monks from Texas entered Washington, D.C., on Monday reaching the goal of their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace. A flock of 19 monks, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, have enchanted the nation for months with their goal of raising awareness of “peace, loving kindness and compassion.”
They walked over Chain Bridge from Arlington and up Arizona Avenue to American University for their first stop on Day 108 and then proceeded to the Washington National Cathedral for an interfaith ceremony with a final stop of the day at George Washington University.
On Tuesday, their goal was for Monumental Peace, visiting Capitol Hill, walking past the Peace Monument and the Washington Monument and then gathering at the Lincoln Memorial with thousands in attendance. At the end of the day, they walked to George Washington University.
On their last day of the walk, Feb. 12, they were in Annapolis and gathered at the Maryland State Capitol. Afterwards, they will depart for their home, Fort Worth, Texas
In those days in the nation’s capital and the days before in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and earlier, the monks spread their quiet compassion and invited everyone meeting them to share their love of peace and understanding. They made a lasting impression with their intentional walking to “raise awareness and mindfulness” and brought momentary calm to many.
Increasingly, as the monks made their way to their destination of the nation’s capital, well-wishers stood along their path and law-enforcement protected them from them from vehicular traffic and other obstacles. Their message of peace, unity and love expanded in people’s minds and heart — and into social media.
Many Washingtonians and Georgetowners said they felt the universal love during what many consider a difficult time for America and the world.
“When thoughts arise, do not follow them. Come back to the breath. Live in the present moment. … Today is going to be my peaceful day,” lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara has said.
It seemed everyone affected by the walk had something to say. “It was amazing,” said real estate broker Melanie Hayes. “I followed them along Massachusetts Avenue and down towards GW.” Krista Johnson of Elle Rue said, “I love their message of unity,”
For Georgetowner and walk volunteer Constance Chatfield-Taylor, there was inspiration in “carrying the Walk for Peace banner behind the Venerable Monks as they left the huge gathering at the Lincoln Memorial, past the Institute of Peace, knowing what all who worked there have been through this year, and also watching people lining 23rd street, some with heads and hands bowed in prayer, many with phones trying to get closer, to witness this amazing, quiet procession.”
She continued: “I felt the raw emotions of people who were touched. It wasn’t for a celebrity or a rock star or athlete. It was for 19 monks who spread a blanket of peace for 2,300 miles and 110 days.”
“I asked an organizer if such a walk had been done before in the U.S. ‘No’ was the reply. ‘Why here, why now,’ I asked. Another reply: ‘They go where they are needed.’ ”
Bhikkhu Pannakara leads a flock of 19 monks along 23rd Street NW in Washington, D.C. Photo by Robert Devaney.
The Walk for Peace monks arrive at the Lincoln Memorial grounds. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Walk for Peace participant at the Lincoln Memorial grounds. Photo by Bill Starrels.Photo by Bill Starrels.
The Walk for Peace participants at the Lincoln Memorial grounds. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Walk for Peace monk speaks on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial grounds. Photo by Bill Starrels.
The Walk for Peace monks arrive at the Washington National Cathedral. Photo by Greg “Fritz” Blakey.
